When you have your first child, it can be hard to know what you should and shouldn’t do. If you enjoy water activities, you’re probably wondering if it’s safe to take your baby to the pool.
To make things easier for you, we’re sharing everything you need to know about the right age for your baby to start swimming, the precautions to take, and water activities you can plan to teach them how to swim (like baby swimming sessions, for example).
Why get your baby accustomed to swimming at a young age?
Several reasons might lead you to introduce your child to swimming from a young age. Indeed, in the water, your child will discover a new stimulating environment where they will feel new sensations. By doing so, you can get them used to the aquatic environment and let them discover the joys of water.
During the first six months of their life, your little one has reflexes that are instinctively activated, especially when submerged in water. By introducing them to swimming lessons, you'll notice they move their arms and legs to try swimming.
Moreover, they will have the reflex to hold their breath and open their eyes underwater. Typically, babies love water and feel very comfortable in it. Over time, through the learning of swimming, your child will gradually gain independence and confidence.
At what age can you take your baby to the pool?
Once your little one has received their first two doses of the DTaP vaccine (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis), typically by four months old, they’re ready for their first trip to the pool! Your baby can enjoy the water, but make sure the pool temperature is warm enough—ideally around 98°F (37°C).
To help them adjust to this new environment, pediatricians recommend gradually lowering bathwater temperatures to about 91–93°F (33–34°C) before introducing them to the pool. However, keep swim sessions short—no more than 30 minutes—until your child is at least one year old.
Which water should be prioritized based on their age?
To get your child used to swimming, we recommend opting for treated waters, like those in private pools. These waters are treated with bromine salt, and even chlorine. You can also choose municipal pool water, as they are also treated with chlorine.
Chlorine is not harmful to your baby. Of course, washing with clear water remains an essential step after swimming. Additionally, take care to dry and moisturize your baby's skin with an appropriate cream.
However, you cannot habituate your child to the waters of lakes and the sea. These waters have microbial risks. Therefore, they can harm your baby's well-being.
Baby in a private pool, what is the minimum age?
You can let your baby enjoy a dip in your backyard pool, as long as the water is heated to at least 86°F (30°C). Additionally, avoid putting your little one in the water if the air temperature is below 77°F (25°C).
Concerning age, a baby of three to four months can be bathed if all the aforementioned conditions are met. However, you need to take some precautions to ensure everything goes well.
Precautions to take
To ensure your baby can swim safely, it is crucial to take a few precautions. First, if you are swimming in your own pool, don't stay in the water with the baby for more than half an hour.
Moreover, if they refuse to go into the water, don’t force them. Additionally, you need to follow other rules:
- Always stay vigilant, as a moment of inattention can be dangerous.
- Check the water temperature, as babies enjoy warm water. The minimum recommended water temperature is 90°F (32°C).
- Protect the child from the sun with sunglasses, sunscreen, a cap, or a hat.
- Feed the baby before and after swimming.
- Prevent the little one from catching cold by keeping them warm and limiting the swim duration to 10 minutes.
Various aquatic activities
Starting from six months, you can enroll your child in a baby swimming group. As your baby grows, you can introduce them to other activities. For instance, before they reach the age maturity required to learn to swim at age six, you can enroll them in aquatic garden sessions.
Fun, this activity involves courses to complete in the water with various equipment and with parental assistance. You will find it in an aquatic center near you.
The aquatic garden has numerous advantages. Firstly, it helps your child familiarize themselves with the aquatic environment. Secondly, it aids them in gaining independence and making new friends.
Essential equipment for a successful swimming session
Taking your baby to the pool requires strict organization. In fact, for a successful swim, you need to plan some essential equipment.
Floating swimsuit and swimming cap
Practical and comfortable, the floating swimsuit ensures the safety of your baby. This equipment withstands chlorine and salt. Usually UV-resistant, it offers a lot of room for maneuver to children taking swimming lessons and to those who already know how to swim. It can be worn to prevent sunburn.
Just like the floating swimsuit, the swimming cap is part of the essential equipment for a successful swim. They prevent hair from falling over your children’s eyes while they swim. Additionally, they prevent the spread of loose hair and stop strands from blocking filters.
Inflatable float, arm bands, and aquatic toys
Essential for any beginner swimmer, the inflatable float allows the child to stay afloat. This equipment helps minimize the risk of drowning. Depending on your little one's age, you can choose between a seat float, neck float, or traditional float.
Essential equipment for approximately two-year-old children, arm bands allow them to adopt a lying position while swimming. In the market, you'll find foam arm bands and inflatable ones.
For a successful swim, your children will also need to have fun with aquatic toys. Therefore, plan for foam noodles and swimming boards.
Shower gel, moisturizing cream, and post-swim snack
After a good swim, it's essential to take a bath. Therefore, plan to bring shower gel before heading to the pool. Since moisturizing is crucial after a bath, you should also bring a moisturizing cream to keep your baby's skin in good condition.
Feeding a baby after a bath is essential. Indeed, after their splashing progress, the baby should be rewarded. Therefore, prepare them a post-swim snack.
This exclusive article comes to an end. We hope you have learned all the necessary knowledge to introduce your baby to the joys of water. We'll meet again soon for a new topic around baby swimming for the youngest.
